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Dietetic Technician

Dietetic
Technicians work with, and under the supervision of, a registered
dietitian. They assist in planning and implementing nutritional programs
and services in facilities such as hospitals and schools. Dietetic
technicians may specialize in a particular are, such as nutritional care
or food service management. Nutritional care technicians determine the
nutritional needs of their patients by interviewing them and reviewing
their medical histories. They help patients plan meals that fit into their
prescribed diet and food budget. They also report the patient's progress
or any dietary problems to the supervising dietitian. Dietetic technicians
in a food service management role conduct slightly different activities.
Their activities include planning meals and menus for many people,
ordering and stocking food and supplies, overseeing the production of
meals and services, and maintaining quality control and safety standards.
They may also be in charge of designing and implementing new food service
systems to make facilities run more efficiently. These individuals may
work with computer systems to verify diet orders, record laboratory data,
and to calculate payroll. Dietetic technicians, regardless of specialty,
are responsible for counseling and educating patients and community groups
on proper nutrition that will lead to a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Work Environment:

Dietetic technicians work in a variety of settings including school
systems, colleges and universities, government agencies, hospitals,
nursing homes, prisons, home health agencies, community health centers,
long term care facilities, research facilities, and food related
industries.

High School Preparation:

Students interested in a career as a dietetic technician should take high
school courses in biology, chemistry, algebra, home economics, English,
business, health occupations/medical professions education, physical
education, psychology, and computer skills.

College Requirements:

Individuals entering a dietetic technician program should have a high
school diploma or the equivalent. The majority of employers require an
associate's degree from and accredited community college that is approved
by the American Dietetic Association. These programs combine both
classroom study as well as practical experience. Individuals must pass a
national examination given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration to
become certified and registered. Students interested in a dietetic
technician program should contact schools for information on admission and
course of study.

For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.

Career Outlook:

Employment opportunities for dietetic technicians are expected to grow
about as fast as the average, which is an increase of 10%-20% over the
next eight years. This is largely due to the emphasis that the medical
community is placing on disease prevention through improved dietary
habits. The growing aging population will also increase demand for
dietetic technicians because they will need balanced meals and nutritional
counseling in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As in most
other occupations, job openings will result from the need to replace
experienced workers who retire or leave the profession for other reasons.